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October/November 2025 Page 27 AD SALES 01204 478812 TRAVEL TO ADVERTISE CALL 01204 478812 STRATFORD!UPON!AVON NOVEMBER 29!30 ANDDECEMBER 6!7 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON’S festive market takes over this world-re- nowned town for two festive weekends. Bring your shopping bags, because there’ll be 200 stalls selling a whole host of seasonal products. This year’s market has an all-new layout, helping your visit run smoothly. MARKETS DELIVERING CHRISTMAS CHEER CHRISTMAS is coming and Britain is brimming with festive markets galore to get you in the Yuletide mood. Discover trails of twinkling lights and warm your hands on a cup of mulled wine as you weave through wooden chalets bursting with unusual gifts from local traders. Tuck into festive food served with a smile and don your skates for an outdoor ice rink. From Manchester’s Christmas markets to those in London, York, Birmingham and everywhere in between, here are some of the best Christmas markets on offer. WINCHESTER NOVEMBER 21 " DECEMBER 22 WITH its unique location in the shadow of Winchester’s great cathedral, this is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. Numerous chalets are home to hand-picked exhibitors offering exclusive gifts that you won’t find on the high street – from hand- crafted decorations and festive treats to craft beer and mulled wine. MANCHESTER NOVEMBER 7 " DECEMBER 22 THE Manchester Christmas Markets take over locations across the city, meaning you won’t be far from fes- tive gifts and delicious food and drink stalls selling traditional bratwurst, hog roast and paella on a winter trip to the city. Typically, there are more than 300 accessible stalls and chalets across the city. Look out for jewellery, toys, plants, bags, homeware and quirky gifts. For the first time since 2019, the markets will return to Albert Square, in the shadow of the newly renovated town hall, bringing a giant Fer- ris wheel and plenty of festive cheer. BLENHEIMPALACE NOVEMBER 14 " DECEMBER 21 STOCK up on festive favourites in the spectacular setting of Blenheim Pal- ace’s Great Court. Find the perfect Christmas gift and choose from the tempting selection of street food stalls for a delicious bite to eat. SHEFFIELD NOVEMBER 13 " DECEMBER 24 THE Alps meet South Yorkshire at Shef- field’s festive market with more than 60 log cabins and four Alpine bars pepper- ing the city centre. Whether you’re barmy for bratwurst or potty about Yorkshire pudding wraps, there’s some- thing for every appetite here. Plus, step back in time at Kelham Island Museum’s Victorian Christmas Market from December 6-7, with plenty of Sheffield-made wares, fairground fun and festive eats to enjoy. LEICESTER NOVEMBER 13 " 28DECEMBER 28 BACK for a second year, Leicester’s market promises to be bigger and bet- ter in 2025, serving up handmade crafts and delicious street food. Get your skates on for the real ice rink at Jubilee Square, or follow the Enlightened Leicester light trail through Abbey Park. There are even more festive treasures to peruse at Leicester Guildhall’s Christmas Craft Fair, held on November 29. SOUTHBANK CENTRE, LONDON NOVEMBER 3 " DECEMBER 26 THE popular Winter Market at London’s Southbank Centre is a seasonal pleas- ure that sits alongside a range of family shows and festive fun, as the banks of the Thames are transformed into a win- ter wonderland. Wander along the South Bank and discover strings of decorations and cute illuminated wooden cabins selling Christmas gifts, from the quirky to the traditional. Expect mince pies, spiced cider and steaming mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate. Global cuisines are available, too, and make sure you grab a selfie by the huge Christmas tree. LIVERPOOL NOVEMBER 15 " DECEMBER 24 LIVERPOOL Christmas Marke trans- forms the area around St George’s Hall, near the city’s main train station, into a twinkling wonderland. If you’ve got a head for heights, jump on the giant Ferris wheel for epic views of the skyline – or watch it turn from solid ground at the landmark Windmill Bar instead. Little ones will love Santa Land and the vintage carousel. LEEDS NOVEMBER 21 " DECEMBER 21 HEAD to City Square for the dazzling Leeds Christmas Market, this year with an even more accessible layout. Browse some 60 traditional market stalls sell- ing unusual gifts, crafts and tasty treats from both the local area and around the world. Returning this year is an artisan market run by Little Bird at Bond Court in the city centre, where independent makers will set up shop Thursday to Sunday during the festive season. And that’s not all – take a spin on the Ice Cube outdoor skating rink that pops up at Millennium Square and Victoria Gardens.